Volume 3, Issue 2 Spring 2015

The End Is Just

The Beginning!

Every May, high schools

across the country close out

the school year with gradua-

tion. They recognize and cel-

ebrate the students that have

successfully completed their

formative years of compulso-

ry education.

Filled with nostalgia, seniors

and their families often look

back on those years with

fondness; recalling such sto-

ries as that first day of kinder-

garten, their first best friend,

their first overnight field trip,

class retreat or carnival. They

reflect on their favorite teach-

ers, friends and classmates,

and personal and collective

accomplishments. They real-

ize that this is the end of an

era -the era of youth.

Seton Catholic High School

held its tenth annual com-

mencement ceremony on Sun-

day, May 31st in the Chuck

Mosey Memorial Gymnasi-

um. Matthew Westjohn gave

the Valedictorian speech,

while Patrick Marsee spoke as

Salutatorian -both remember-

ing times with classmates and

bidding farewell to SCHS.

Prior to this year’s graduation,

our seniors were asked to share

their favorite memories of

SCHS. Maggie Lahmann re-

flected, “It isn’t possible for

me to choose a favorite

memory at Seton because each

moment becomes my new

favorite memory or experience.

My entire experience here at

Seton is my favorite memory.

I’m glad I chose SCHS be-

cause it has allowed me to gain

a second family. The people

(Continued on page 6)

Graduating class of 2015 at their commencement ceremonyGraduating class of 2015 at their commencement ceremonyGraduating class of 2015 at their commencement ceremony

2

A Fond Farewell

Grateful does not begin to scratch

the surface when Seton Catholic

Schools thinks of Mr. Tim Love.

After teaching in the public schools

for thirty-three years, Mr. Tim

Love retired. Two weeks in to that

retirement, he received a call from

Seton High School principal, Mr.

Rick Ruhl. The idea was for Love

to work part-time at the school and

to start a music program where

none had been before.

“He said, ‘It’s just in the morn-

ings,’” Love remembers. “It sound-

ed like a pretty easy thing to do.”

But, when he began, Mr. Love

learned there were only six Seton

students “that actually played any-

thing.” There were no instruments,

music stands, or music.

Ending his career at Seton Catholic

Schools with a farewell concert on

May 12, Mr. Love directed a group

of 91 students. He was delighted

to find the seats full of his friends

and family, as well as, former

students and colleagues. At the

end of the concert, Mr. Love

learned that the newly renovated

band space at Seton Catholic High

School would bear his name –

the Timothy D. Love Band Center.

Seton alum, Audrey Shake (2012)

reflected on how she met Mr. Love

upon learning of his retirement, “I

met Mr. Love the summer before I

started junior high. He was the

grand Marshall for a parade in

Richmond and rode with my

grandma (Norma Carnes Schroed-

er) and me. He convinced me to

join band when the school year be-

gan, and so I did.”

She continued, “I had no idea how

to play a musical instrument or

how to read notes. A lot of us did-

n't know how but Mr. Love patient-

ly taught us the basics and then

turned the music program into

what it is today. He is so much

more than a teacher. He loves each

and every one of his students and I

always knew he loved me too.

Thank you Tim Love for every-

thing you did for me, for your

students and for the music program

at Seton. You deserve to have the

new music auditorium named after

you because without you, it would

not be there. You are truly a bless-

ing and I am so honored to have

been your student. Enjoy being

retired, again.”

Thank you Mr. Tim Love for all

you have done for our students, our

school and our community. May

God continue to richly bless you!

Welcome Aboard!

Recently, the Seton Catholic

Schools Board of Directors ap-

proved the creation of a full-time

music teaching position that will

cover all grade levels. This new

position will take effect starting

with the 2015-2016 school year.

We are very pleased to announce

the hiring of Mr. Evan Schroeder

to fill this position. In many ways,

Evan’s new ministry at Seton Cath-

olic Schools represents a true

homecoming for him. Evan attend-

ed Seton Catholic Schools through-

out his formative compulsory edu-

cation years; graduating from

SCHS in 2011. As an 8th grader,

Evan was among the first students

to take band with Mr. Love when

he joined our staff back in 2006.

Evan’s mother, Terri, teaches 6th

grade at our Elementary School.

A recent graduate of Butler Univer-

sity, Evan received a Bachelor of

Music in Music Education and will

be leading our general music classes

for grades 1st -6th, conducting band

for grades 6 -12th and directing

choir at SCHS. We look forward to

having his familiar face and talent

back in the community!

Mr. Love at his farewell concert in mid-May,

blessing Seton with what he does best !

~Palladium-Item photo by Joshua Smith

Seton’s new Seton’s new Seton’s new

music director music director music director

Evan Schroeder, Evan Schroeder, Evan Schroeder,

pictured pictured pictured

at a recent at a recent at a recent

college recital.college recital.college recital.

3

Greatness in the Making!

Almost anyone can become a

teacher, but it takes a special

person to be a great teacher. To

inspire not just a great student, but

a great person, a teacher must rise

above the crowd and make a last-

ing impression. Some of the quali-

ties that go into the making of a

great teacher include enthusiasm,

dedication and flexibility, but also

creativeness. First grade teacher,

Allison Blanford possesses those

qualities and more!

Miss Blanford, more commonly

known by her students as “Miss

B”, received her teaching degree

from Indiana University in 2011

and is licensed to teach K-12 and

Special Education, recently com-

pleting her 3rd year of teaching at

Seton Catholic. Miss B. is very

dedicated to her role saying, “I am

passionate about developing and

implementing learning activities

that involve all different types of

learners. I really try to develop ac-

tivities that will connect to audito-

ry, kinesthetic and visual learners.”

One student’s experience shows

the enthusiasm, dedication and

flexibility Miss Blanford possesses.

Parent, Allison Rivera was more

than happy to share her daughter’s

story of being in Miss B’s class-

room. “Ms. Blanford has gone

above and beyond working with us

for Sydney. Early in the school

year she noticed Sydney was hav-

ing some difficulties in certain sub-

jects and she worked closely with

us to devise a plan for the remain-

der of the year. At one point there

was more of a concern and she of-

fered to tutor her after school twice

a week. She focused on areas that

we wouldn't have been able to do

alone at home,” said Mrs. Rivera.

“We are so grateful for her extra

time and are happy that Sydney

will also be able to be tutored by

her during summer break. This, to

us, is such a blessing and is one,

among many, reasons why we love

Seton so much.”

Finding new ways to teach based

on research and changing things up

in her classroom, keeps Miss Blan-

ford’s students excited about learn-

ing. “The more creative and inter-

active the activity the better in my

opinion,” says Miss B. “I have tru-

ly enjoyed moving to 1st grade,

after being in 6th grade my first

year at Seton. I have really been

able to be much more creative in

my lessons and I really enjoy

teaching emergent readers.”

Very satisfied with what is going

on in first grade, principal Mrs.

Becker had this to add, “Allison is

absolutely tenacious about building

student responsibility as well as

growing with the reading and math

standards at first grade in order to

succeed as a student. She spends a

lot of time evaluating her students

and then grouping them according

to their needs. And she celebrates

student growth with the kids and

their families!”

In her free time, Miss Blanford en-

joys traveling to new places,

spending time with family and

friends, and performing at Rich-

mond Civic Theater. Most recently

she was a member of the cast in

The Mystery of Edwin Drood and

Shrek the Musical.

Miss B. and Sydney Rivera caught in action.

Tell me and I forget.

Teach me and I remember.

Involve me and I learn.

~ Benjamin Franklin

4

Celebrating the Sacraments

We celebrate many things; such as

good report cards, birthdays, anni-

versaries, retirements, even National

Pancake Day. However, for Catho-

lics the most important events cele-

brated are the seven sacraments. By

the time many of our students gradu-

ate from high school, they have re-

ceived four of the seven sacraments.

What is a sacrament you may be

wondering? Historically, the word

‘sacrament’ comes from the Greek

word ‘mysterion ’ and the Latin

word ‘sacramentum ’. ‘Mysterion ’

means ‘something hidden or secret’

– our word ‘mystery’. More com-

monly, a sacrament is described as

‘an outward and visible sign of an

inward and invisible grace.’

God created each of us with amazing

potential and the sacraments help us

encounter Him helping us become a

“better version of ourselves”. All the

sacraments have biblical roots and

were instituted by Christ himself on

earth. The sacraments can be divided

into three categories; Sacraments of

Initiation; Sacraments of Healing

and Sacraments of Vocations. Let’s

look more closely…

Sacraments of Initiation

The first three Sacraments work

together like legs of a stool. They

provide stability and lay the founda-

tion of every Christian life.

Baptism: Our spiritual lives begin at

Baptism. It is the first sacrament we

receive and it initiates us, through

water, into the Christian community.

Baptism washes away our Original

Sin and promises eternal life. We

renew our baptismal promises each

year at Easter, as well as every time

we bless ourselves with holy water

in the Name of the Father, and the

Son and the Holy Spirit…Amen

(Matthew 28:19-20)

Eucharist: This is the source our

Catholic faith. We recall the ritual

Jesus performed with his disciples

the night before he was put to death

each time we celebrate the Mass.

Jesus offers us his body and blood in

the forms of bread and wine, and in

receiving the Eucharist, we are unit-

ing with Him. In essence, we be-

come the vessel that takes Christ out

into the world each week. (John

6:56) In April, many of our second

grade students made their First

Communion, thus receiving the Sac-

rament of the Eucharist for the first

time. What a joyous day it was for

those students!

Confirmation: The Sacrament of

Confirmation is the completion of

the grace we received at baptism and

an invitation to mature in our Chris-

tian life. Through classes and service

projects, the candidates discern

about deepening their relationship

with God. Each Confirmation candi-

date reflects and chooses a Catholic

sponsor to help guide them on their

faith journey. When receiving the

sacrament, the candidate and his/her

sponsor, stand before the bishop and

profess the desire to be confirmed in

the Catholic faith. Just like the

(Continued on page 5)

5

Apostles, the candidate receives the

gifts of the Holy Spirit; namely

courage, wisdom, understanding,

knowledge, right judgment, rever-

ence and fear of the Lord.

For many of our juniors and seniors,

they received these special gifts

in May, promising to go out and

make a difference in the world!

(John 14:26)

Sacraments of Healing

The purpose of these two sacra-

ments are to carry on the healing

and saving power of Jesus Christ.

Reconciliation: The Sacrament of

Reconciliation is one that is re-

ceived by most second grade stu-

dents prior to making their First

Communion. Reconciliation heals

our souls. We are called to be lov-

ing, charitable and patient people.

As we reflect on our actions, we

turn to the Sacrament of Reconcilia-

tion to confess our sins; no matter

how big or small. God’s uncondi-

tional forgiveness awaits us,

through absolution given by the

priest. We are strengthened by

God’s grace to live a changed life in

the days, weeks and months to fol-

low. With a newly softened heart,

we are open to God’s word and in-

spiration. (John 20:23)

Anointing of the Sick: This sacra-

ment is often confused with “Last

Rites” given at the hour of death.

However, it is similar to the sacra-

ments of Reconciliation and the Eu-

charist in that it may be received as

often as necessary. The Anointing

of the Sick is a tangible expression

of Jesus’ words, “Do not be afraid.”

It is given to those who have fallen

seriously ill; those diagnosed with a

long-term illness; those having sur-

geries as well as those experiencing

health issues related to old age. The

Anointing of the Sick unites the sick

person’s suffering with that of Jesus

and brings forgiveness to their sins.

According to God’s will, this sacra-

ment provides the sick person with

physical/spiritual healing as well as

the strength, peace and courage to

bear their burdens. (Mark 5:34)

Sacraments of Vocation

As a result of our baptism, Chris-

tians are called to a life of holiness.

This divine calling, or vocation, can

be lived in marriage, or in the single

life, or in the priesthood or religious

life. No one vocation is superior to

or inferior to another. Each involves

a specific kind of commitment using

one’s gifts and strengthened by

God’s grace. All vocations make a

unique contribution to the life and

mission of the Church.

Holy Matrimony: Catholics be-

lieve that marriage is a permanent,

faithful and fruitful union of a man

and woman who have entered into a

relationship of love with each other

and God. It is a sacred bond with

two equally important purposes:

First, to unite the couple as a total

gift of self; and secondly, for to pro-

create the earth. This life-long com-

mitment is a serious decision and

not one to be taken lightly.

Holy Orders: The Catholic Church

is sustained with the Sacrament of

Holy Orders. Like Baptism and

Confirmation, Holy Orders will

leave an indelible mark on the soul

of the recipient. It takes years of ac-

ademic study and spiritual discern-

ment to accept and then fulfill this

calling from God. The Sacrament of

Holy Orders is a lifelong commit-

ment of universal love and requires

obedience to the bishop, much hu-

mility as well as celibacy.

The seven Sacraments of the Catho-

lic Church are rich in meaning.

Each one extends God’s grace and

love to every facet of our lives. As

we receive the sacraments, we real-

ize God is with us every step of the

way and that’s worth celebrating!

Celebrating the Sacraments

(Continued from page 4)

6

here are incredible.”

Santiago Velandia and Taylor

Webster felt much the same way.

Santiago said, “It is too difficult to

decide on just one favorite

memory. My favorite memories

are all of the times in which I was

among my friends simply enjoying

our time. I am glad that I attended

SCHS because it allowed me to

understand that if one has faith in

God, He will show the light.”

Taylor stated, “I have met a lot of

amazing people at Seton. I’ve

learned more about myself and the

person I want to be that I would

have at any other school. Seton

has helped to instill in me the mor-

als and values I need to be the per-

son I want to be.”

On average, the Class of 2015

earned over $300,000 per person

in scholarships with 63% earning

Academic Honors Diplomas and

88% earning Core 40 Diplomas.

Seniors commonly look upon

graduation as the end, but is it

really an end? Or is it a begin-

ning? It is the beginning of post-

secondary education, service to

country as a member of the

military, or assuming other adult

roles and responsibilities. Two

members of the SCHS Class of

2015 have enlisted in the United

States Marine Corps, Daniel

Rheinhardt and Santiago Velandia.

Their first stop this summer is boot

camp in San Diego, California.

Other members from the Class of

2015 will head off to college in the

fall to study physical therapy, com-

puter science, architecture, pre-

dentistry, political science, and com-

puter engineering at schools includ-

ing Indiana University East. Kent

State University, Trine University,

and the University of Dayton.

Regardless of where these gradu-

ates are headed, they will rise to

the occasion, sharing all they have

learned at Seton Catholic and con-

tinuing to grow in spirit, mind and

body.

The End Is Just The Beginning

(Continued from page 1)

No Passport Required

This summer two Seton Catholic

High School students will be

transported into a world of interna-

tional business, language, and

culture from around the world –all

without a passport! Thanks to

Indiana University!

Juniors Jack Brenneke and Cliff

Dickman have been selected to

participate in the Indiana Universi-

ty “Business is Global” Summer

Program. The program accepts

roughly sixty-five percent of stu-

dents that apply each year.

Throughout the two-week program

students will learn about cultures

and communication styles of Man-

darin Chinese, Swahili, and Turk-

ish. Students will also gain a basic

understanding of the business prac-

tices of North America, East Asia,

East Africa, and Turkey from the

Kelley School of Business. These

business classes will provide a

basic understanding of business

and how businesses operate.

We congratulate Jack and Cliff on

their acceptance and wish them

luck on their academic adventure!

Taylor Webster (right) pictured with her proud

grandmother, Mary Margaret Johnson.

Foreign exchange student, “Paint”, receives

her honors cords from Principal Rick Ruhl.

THANK YOU TO THANK YOU TO THANK YOU TO

ALL OF OUR ALL OF OUR ALL OF OUR

VOLUNTEERS VOLUNTEERS VOLUNTEERS

THAT MADE THE THAT MADE THE THAT MADE THE

201420142014---2105 2105 2105

SCHOOL YEAR SCHOOL YEAR SCHOOL YEAR

A SUCCESS!A SUCCESS!A SUCCESS!

7

What’s better than

Summer Camp?

More Summer Camp!

Two Seton fifth grade girls attend-

ed camp at Camp Rancho Framasa

last summer for the first time.

Mary Warner and Lydia Reich-

leywill be returning again this sum-

mer because they just couldn’t get

enough!

Summer camp at Camp Rancho

Framasa is different than other

camps. While they are committed

to fun offering activities like ca-

noeing, games, hiking, drama, and

archery, the Rancho Framasa camp

experience is also laced with faith.

Camp Rancho Framasa also in-

cludes faith hour, Mass and scrip-

ture into each of its busy weeks.

The camp sees nearly 200 new

campers each week all summer

long, offering a positive, inclusive,

faith filled experience to everyone.

“Mary went to CYO camp for the

first time last year,” says Mary’s

mother, Lianne Warner. “I signed

her up after talking to other Seton

parents who highly recommended

it. I was a little nervous, since this

was her first time away at camp.

However, I did have comfort in

knowing she would be there with a

Seton friend. It turned out to be an

amazing experience for Mary! She

made new friends, and was ready

to stay longer to participate in other

activities. I love that it is a catholic

camp, so the kids grow in their

faith, as well as through all the ac-

tivities with the camp attendees.

The camp is very well organized,

and all the camp counselors make

the families and kids feel welcome

and right at home upon arrival.

I like that the structure allows for

kids to group with friends, but they

quickly meet new people through

the cabin arrangements (two small

groups of kids and two camp coun-

selors to a cabin) and activities.

I strongly recommend this camp

to other families as a fun, safe,

Catholic environment!”

On her experience last summer,

Mary recalls, "At CYO camp, there

are many enjoyable and exciting

activities which include zip-lining,

canoeing, horseback riding, swim-

ming, night games, gaga ball,

crafts, and campfires! You also

learn a lot of things. It is a catholic

camp, so you learn things about

the Bible and go to church! It is

definitely a learning, faith-filled,

and amazing experience. I would

recommend it to anyone!”

Lydia chimed in saying, "I want to

go back to CYO camp because the

staff has your back no matter how

hard it is to protect it." Both girls

are looking forward to their sixth

grade retreat at Camp Rancho

Framasa in the fall too!

Whether campers are at Mass,

hiking in the woods or sleeping

under the stars self-esteem grows,

relationships form, cooperation

and courage happen all within a

child who attends Camp Rancho

Framasa for a few days!

For more information on camp

opportunities check out http://

www.campranchoframasa.org/

Mary Warner and Lydia Reichley beam with

“camping joy”!

“Encourage one another daily”“Encourage one another daily”“Encourage one another daily”

~ Hebrews 3:13~ Hebrews 3:13~ Hebrews 3:13

8

Dear Members of the Richmond Catholic Community and the Seton family:

On behalf of the current and future students at Seton Catholic High School,

I would like to thank you for your overwhelming generosity. As you know,

we have spent the past two years engaged in a concerted effort to raise suf-

ficient funds to completely transform the top floor of the high school. Your

response to our invitation to give of your treasure has simply been amazing.

Thanks to you, we raised nearly $290,000 for the renovation project!

I stand in awe of your support and want to convey my sincerest appreciation.

We are blessed, indeed. A wide array of skilled professional contractors

and caring parishioners has committed their time and talent to make this

project a reality. Thanks to their skilled hands and attention to detail, the

finished product will be truly impressive.

The new, well-appointed band/music room—completed earlier this year—is

already a big hit with our students. The two brand new science labs and

two additional classrooms are quickly taking shape and will be ready for

occupancy when school starts in the fall. Once completed, these new spac-

es will greatly enhance the teaching-learning process in the critical areas of

Science, Technology, Engineering, the Arts, and Mathematics (STEAM).

The mission of our school is to move our students to grow in their spirituali-

ty. It is our work to create a time and a place to nurture respect in the stu-

dents for themselves and others. I am sure you would agree that integrating

the spiritual with the intellectual is what Catholic education does best.

This year, the success stories of Seton Catholic High School are really

taking root, including the challenging curriculum, commitment to long-

range strategic planning, and the partnership between students, teachers

and parents. SCHS has a wonderful story to tell, and I appreciate you

taking a leadership role in helping us continue to spread the good news.

Those who have passed through our doors have made our past. They,

and you, will also ensure our future. Thank you again for investing

in our school and in the students we serve. I appreciate your belief in

Seton Catholic High School.

Sincerely Yours in Christ,

Rick J. Ruhl Principal

PRINCIPALS’ CORNER

Save the Date!

8/10

Back-to-School Night

Primary & Intermediate

from 5-6:30pm

SCHS from 6-7:30pm

8/11

First Day of School

8/19

JV/Varsity Volleyball

Home Opener 6pm

@ SCHS

8/22

Cross Country

Richmond Invitational 9am

@ IU East

8/24

Varsity Soccer

Home Opener 5pm

@ Freeman Park

9/3 Junior High Volleyball

Home Opener 6pm

@ SCHS

9/12

Cardinal Classical

Golf Outing

Lunch @ noon

Shotgun start @ 1pm